The Golden Treasury of the Best Songs and Lyrical Poems in the English Language
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Author Description
Palgrave's intention in compiling his anthology in the 1860s was to collect the finest lyrical poems in the English Language; the measure of his success is the great critical acclaim his volume won, and the fact that his name is still synonymous for many with English verse.This new edition of the anthology is the first for 30 years, and provides an excellent map of the changing landscape of English verse. It remains true to the spirit of the `original' Palgrave, and is here presented in fine-binding as the perfect gift purchase. There are many classic poets to befound here: Blake, Tennyson, Hardy, Yeats, and Hopkins among them. This new edition includes poems from the last 30 years, along with all of the material from previous editions. Fleur Adcock, Douglas Dunn, Gavin Ewart, Seamus Heaney, Elizabeth Jennings, Derek Mahon, Sylvia Plath, Peter Porter, AnneStevenson, and Hugo Williams are among the many names to appear in this marvellous book for the first time.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This anthology seeks to curate the definitive collection of the finest lyrical poetry written in the English language across several centuries. Francis T. Palgrave, a Victorian critic and poet, originally established the framework for this collection in the 1860s, focusing on lyrical intensity and formal excellence. This updated edition maintains the original selection criteria while expanding the scope to include significant contributions from contemporary poets of the late 20th century.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- A comprehensive selection of English lyrical verse spanning from the early modern period to the late 20th century.
- Works by canonical figures such as Blake, Tennyson, Hardy, Yeats, and Hopkins.
- Additions of modern poets including Seamus Heaney, Sylvia Plath, and Derek Mahon.
Scope Limits
- The collection is strictly limited to lyrical poetry and does not include epic, dramatic, or narrative verse forms.
- The selection reflects the specific editorial biases of Palgrave and subsequent editors regarding what constitutes the 'best' of the tradition.
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Experts recognize this volume as a foundational text in the study of English poetry, often cited for its historical influence on literary taste. Readers frequently note that while the selection is traditional, the inclusion of modern voices provides a balanced view of the evolution of the lyrical form.
Page Count:
714
Publication Date:
1995-11-09
ISBN-10:
0192100122
ISBN-13:
9780192100122
Poetry
Classic Literature
Songs
Reference
English literature
Poetry
Anthology